Florida law allows poker games at licensed parimutuelfacilities but does not address Internetpoker. Federal law prohibits Internet gambling ofany type; however more than 2,000 websites existand many allow United States residents, includingFloridians, to gamble online. Several factors mayaffect the future of Internet gambling. Pendingfederal legislation that seeks to license andregulate Internet gambling would reverse currentU.S. law. In addition, advocates interpret a recentdecision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 3rdCircuit to suggest that intrastate Internet gamblingalready may be legal.
If the Legislature wishes to provide consumerprotections for Internet poker, it could considerthree options: (1) maintain the status quo andmonitor federal legislation that would establish afederal licensing system; (2) adopt laws thatwould prohibit Internet poker; or (3) adopt laws toauthorize and regulate intrastate Internet poker.There are advantages and disadvantagesassociated with each of these options.

Lottery Revenue Has Increased Over the Past Year; Options Remain to Enhance Transfers
Report 13-02 January 2013
Recovery Expected in Lottery Revenue; Options Remain to Enhance Transfers
Report 12-05 February 2012

Copies of this report in print or alternate accessible format may be obtained by email OPPAGA@oppaga.fl.gov, telephone (850) 488-0021, or mail 111 W. Madison St., Room 312 Tallahassee, FL 32399-1475.